Visit Lexington

Experience the magic of horse racing excellence, bluegrass adventures, and discover why Lexington is Kentucky's vibrant horse racing capital

Horse Racing
Bluegrass Country
Bourbon Culture
Kentucky Horse Park
Keeneland Race Course
Bourbon Distilleries
Mary Todd Lincoln House
Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
Hot Brown

Welcome to Lexington

Lexington is Kentucky's Horse Racing Capital and a vibrant city located in the heart of Kentucky, known for its horse racing heritage, beautiful bluegrass countryside, and bourbon culture. This dynamic city is known for its horse racing culture, bluegrass diversity, and unique "Kentucky" personality that has shaped the Bluegrass State region for generations.

From the iconic Kentucky Horse Park and Keeneland Race Course to the beautiful Bluegrass Country and Bourbon Distilleries, Lexington offers visitors a perfect blend of horse racing experiences, outdoor activities, and Kentucky hospitality. The city also boasts Bourbon Culture, Mary Todd Lincoln House, and some of the best horse racing attractions in America.

322,570 Population
978 ft Elevation
188 Sunny Days

📊 Travel Information & Statistics

Essential travel data to help you plan your perfect Lexington adventure

Best Time to Travel

Spring (March-May) Horse racing season, Keeneland meets, perfect weather
Fall (September-November) Breeders' Cup, bourbon tours, comfortable temperatures
Peak Season March-May, September-November (Horse racing and bourbon tourism)

Average Temperature

Jan 22°F / 34°F
Apr 45°F / 58°F
Jul 68°F / 84°F
Oct 48°F / 62°F

Humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters

Airports

Blue Grass Airport (LEX)

Main airport, 6 miles from downtown Lexington

  • Major airlines: American, Delta, United
  • Direct flights to major US cities
  • Rental car services available

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)

Secondary airport, 80 miles from downtown Lexington

  • Major airlines: All major carriers
  • Domestic and international flights
  • Shuttle services to Lexington

Travel Statistics

Annual Visitors 2+ million
Hotel Rooms 8,000+
Restaurants 500+
Cultural Attractions 30+
Average Hotel Price $140/night
Public Transit LexTran and local bus services

Flight Statistics

Daily Flights 2,500+
Direct Destinations 200+ cities
Average Flight Price $350
Peak Travel Months Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Major Airlines 10+ carriers
On-time Performance 85%

Airport Operations

Terminals 1
Gates 200+
Parking Spaces 50,000+
Rental Car Companies 15
Distance to Downtown 6 miles
Ground Transportation Shuttle, Taxi, Bus

Local Transportation

Rail Lines 8 lines
Bus Frequency 5-15 min
Fare $2.50
Operating Hours 4AM-1AM
Bike Share Stations 600+
Ride Share Uber, Lyft

Cultural & Entertainment

Cultural Attractions 200+
Sports Venues 15+
Entertainment Districts 20+
Movie Theaters 25
Museums 60+
Annual Events 400+

Outdoor Recreation

Bluegrass Country Horse farms and trails
Bike Paths 100+ miles
Golf Courses 15
Kentucky Horse Park Equestrian recreation
Parks 100+
Weather Year-round activities

Popular Destinations & Demographics

Top Domestic Origin Ohio
Top International Origin United Kingdom
Popular Airlines American, Delta
Average Age 38 years
Horse Industry 25%
Average Stay 2.8 days

Shopping & Retail

Cultural Attractions 200+
Sports Venues 15+
Average Spending $450/person
Financial Industry $15B annually
Tax Rate 10.25%
Popular Items Bourbon, Horse Racing, Bluegrass

Safety & Health

Crime Rate Low
Hospitals 15 major
Urgent Care Centers 50+
Pharmacies 100+
Emergency Services 24/7
Tourist Safety Excellent

🚗 Rent a Car in Lexington

Explore Lexington and the beautiful Kentucky Bluegrass State region at your own pace with a rental car

🌟 Top Attractions in Lexington

Discover the must-see destinations and experiences in Kentucky's Horse Racing Capital

Kentucky Horse Park

Kentucky Horse Park

Experience Lexington's iconic Kentucky Horse Park featuring world-class thoroughbreds, equestrian programs, and the authentic heart of Kentucky's horse racing industry.

Year-round 2-3 hours Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington
Get Tickets Admission required Read More
Keeneland Race Course

Keeneland Race Course

Experience Lexington's iconic Keeneland Race Course featuring world-class thoroughbred racing, prestigious meets, and the authentic heart of Kentucky's horse racing industry.

Spring & Fall 2-4 hours Keeneland Race Course, Lexington
Get Tickets Tickets required Read More
Mary Todd Lincoln House

Mary Todd Lincoln House

Explore the historic Mary Todd Lincoln House featuring fascinating exhibits, presidential history, and cultural heritage that showcase Lexington's rich historical legacy.

Year-round 1-2 hours Mary Todd Lincoln House, Lexington
Get Tickets Admission required Read More
Bourbon Distilleries

Bourbon Distilleries

Experience Lexington's famous Bourbon Distilleries featuring premier distillery tours, tasting experiences, and bourbon heritage that showcase Kentucky's premier bourbon destination.

Year-round 2-4 hours Bourbon Trail, Lexington
Get Tickets Tickets required Read More
Raven Run Nature Sanctuary

Raven Run Nature Sanctuary

Discover Raven Run Nature Sanctuary featuring beautiful hiking trails, wildlife viewing, outdoor activities, and natural treasures that showcase Lexington's commitment to environmental preservation.

Year-round 2-3 hours Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, Lexington
Visit Free Free admission Read More
Hot Brown

Hot Brown

Savor Lexington's famous Hot Brown featuring delicious Kentucky cuisine, traditional recipes, and culinary heritage that showcase the region's rich food culture and Kentucky hospitality.

Year-round 1 hour Lexington Restaurants
Find Restaurants Various prices Read More

🍽️ Lexington's Horse Racing & Bourbon Flavors

Savor the flavors of Kentucky's horse racing heritage and Bluegrass State culinary heritage with Lexington's diverse dining scene

Horse Racing & Bourbon Flavors

Experience Lexington's diverse horse racing heritage and Bluegrass State dining scene featuring local ingredients, Kentucky-style dishes, and multicultural culinary experiences that showcase the region's rich food culture and Kentucky heritage.

Top Horse Racing & Bourbon Restaurants:

  • Lexington Horse Racing Dining
  • Horse Racing District Restaurants
  • Lexington Bourbon Cuisine
Read More About Horse Racing & Bourbon Flavors

Lexington Cuisine & Local Flavors

Discover Lexington's diverse food culture featuring horse racing-themed restaurants, bourbon dining, and innovative culinary experiences influenced by the city's horse racing culture and Kentucky heritage.

Must-Try Local Spots:

  • Horse Racing-Themed Restaurants
  • Downtown Lexington
  • Horse Racing District Eateries
Read More About Lexington's Food Scene

🏨 Where to Stay in Lexington

Find the perfect accommodation for your Lexington adventure

✈️ Find Flights to Lexington

Search for the best flight deals to Blue Grass Airport (LEX) or Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)

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